The erection of Indra Dhoj -- a single-tree wooden pole – officially marks the beginning of Indra Jatra. It is one of the major festivities celebrated by the local Newars of Kathmandu. On the first day, locals parade through the Upaku route -- Kwahiti, Bhimsensthan, Maru, Damai Tol, Naradevi, Chhetrapati, and Thanhiti – in memory of the deceased family member. The bereaved families then light up butter lamps along the same route, later in the evening.

Indra Jatra is also known as Yenya Puni. The eight-day-long festival – carrying historic, cultural, and religious significance – also marks the end of monsoon. The chariot procession, or the Rath Jatra, of living Goddess Kumari, Lord Ganesh and Lord Bhairab is among the major attractions of the festival. Locals haul the chariots for three days on different routes each day. 

Guruju Paltan, a musical troupe dating back to Prithivi Narayan Shah’s era, increases the charm of the event. The band of musicians parades along the route of the chariot procession. Likewise, the Lakhey and Pulikisi also notch up the merriment.